Dankonning[*] he seizes a mermaid
- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje[**] -
He lets her out of the tower when (she causes) all trouble
Because she is different, not his liking!
You born shall be three bold sons
- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje -
Your young life so they rejected
So I now foster all your wills
Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje
That mermaid is dancing on the tilje
Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje
That mermaid dancing on the tilje [x2]
That mermaid she sits on the wave that is blue.
- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje -
The Danish Queen cried, and never laughed
So she had supported her wish.
In heaven you shall build and live:
- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje -
There you first get rest and peace.
Now I have fostered all your wills.
Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje
That mermaid is dancing on the tilje
Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje
That mermaid dancing on the tilje [x5]